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Lesson#2 – Installing WordPress on to a web host

To recap, WordPress is the software you use to build your website, and you need to install it onto your web hosts server so it shows up on the internet.

Most web hosts know that WordPress is the platform of choice for website owners, so they are making it simple to install. Many web hosts have what is known as a 1-click install, which means you just click a link from your web host admin area and it will step you through the installation of WordPress, and this normally involves clicking the ‘Next’ button on the screen. Dreamhost, the web host I use have a 1-click WordPress install, and in the complete website setup video shown at the bottom of this page (skip to 10mins 20secs) you can see how easy the 1-click install really is.

This 1-click install not only installs the software but it also configures a file called wp-config.php, and creates a database that stores all the information on your website. If you did not use a 1-click install you would need to set these up yourself, so to make your life must easier I recommend using a web host with a 1-click install option.

Once WordPress is installed on your web host you need to configure your Site Title and your username and password. These will be used to gain access to the dashboard of your WordPress website (where you customise things and add new content – more in Lesson#3. If you use Dreamhost you will get an email with a link that takes you to this setup page. Or alternatively when you first visit your website you will be redirected to this setup page. Choose a good username because you cannot alter this later. Skip to 12mins 20secs in the video to see this step.

In Lesson #3 we will look over the WordPress dashboard in more detail so you can get familiar with the backend of your website.